Description

Depending on qualifications, the selected candidate may be appointed at the Cook 1 level or directly at the Cook 2 level.

Salary Information:
Cook 1: $2,764.00 - $3,650.00/month
Cook 2: $2,957.00 - $3,915.00/month
We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service and are committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our community and our agency. If you have a passion for service - review, decide, and apply!

A complete application packet will include:

• Cover letter regarding your interest in this position.
• Detailed chronological resume.
• Three professional references with valid phone number(s) and an email address for each. Definition of “professional references” is listed below in Supplemental Information section.
• Copy of your unofficial transcripts (if applicable).

COVID 19 Vaccination Requirement - review the Supplement Information section below regarding the State’s vaccination requirements.

Incomplete application packages may disqualify you from the process.

For information about the Reentry Division, please visit our webpage.

Our mission at the Department of Corrections is to 'improve public safety by positively changing lives'. With more than 8,000 employees, we recognize that staff are our greatest asset, and the efforts of our dedicated workforce have garnered national recognition! Whether the work is inside a prison, out in the field, or an administrative office, DOC staff experience a high degree of personal reward knowing their efforts are creating an environment in which incarcerated individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to safer communities.

DOC OFFERS:

• Flexible schedules
• Comprehensive compensation packages
• Training and development opportunities
• The fulfillment of public service

Duties

This position contributes to the agency’s mission to improve public safety by planning, ordering, preparing and serving the resident population at Reentry Centers with nutritionally appropriate quality meals that meet the recommended daily allowance as specified in the Department’s certified meal plan. Meals for residents are prepared and served, in a timely manner in accordance with the applicable state and federal regulations and within the budgetary requirements.

Participate in the preparation and service of all food on a shift:

• 
  Perform mathematical calculations in converting recipes to determine appropriate quantity of food products required to meet menu requirements and populations to be served.
• Ensure adherence to appropriate portion control protocols.
• Check food product during and after preparation, ensuring appropriate quality standards are met and adequate quantity has been prepared.
• Understand and apply rethermalization of food process/procedures if appropriate.
• Practice and perform a progressive cooking techniques for quality control and to decrease waste within the food service area.
• Follow basic safety practices to preclude hazards and accidents.
• Prepare special diets as required (medical or religious)
• Maintain and model the highest standards of personal hygiene.
• Keep work surfaces and equipment clean and in compliance with state and local Health Department sanitation standards.
• Follow basic safety practices to preclude hazards and accidents
• Maintain and track knife and tool inventory.
• Complete temperature logs in accordance with DOC and Department of Health requirements.

Perform ordering, inventory, storage, use and reporting tasks:

• Maintain and organize accurate food inventories and ensure the rotation of stock items to prevent spoilage and pilferage.
• Receive, store and distribute raw and prepared or prepackaged food products in accordance with required standards.
• Receive, store and use chemicals and cleaning supplies appropriately.
• Prepare and submit work orders/equipment repair orders.

Monitor residents, ensure safe and secure operations:

• Execute and maintain tool control processes according to DOC policy.
• Maintain key control per DOC policy.
• Ensure safe handling, operation, care, use and cleaning of kitchen equipment e.g. dishwasher, mixers, slicers, grills, steam kettles.

Other duties as assigned*

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 
  Two (2) years’ cooking experience in a large scale food service or culinary operation. Completion of course in large scale cooking may be substituted for one year of experience

- OR -

One (1) year as a Cook 1 in State service

• Current food handler permit

To qualify as a Cook 1 in-training:

• Current food handlers permit
• One (1) year of experience in food preparation or cooking in an institutional or commercial food service setting. Completion of a course in large?scale cooking may be substituted for one year of experience.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Three (3) or more years’ cooking experience in a large scale food service or culinary operation

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Complete a felony disclosure form prior to employment and submit to a criminal background check.
• Successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in service and other required training.
• Provide physical residential address and home telephone number to the Department of Corrections.
• Become familiar and comply with all Department policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
• Submit to drug testing in accordance with Collective Bargaining Agreement and agency policy.
• This position may include in a union shop.

Supplemental Information

Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

Visit Mission & Vision | Washington State Department of Corrections for more information about our agency.

COVID 19 Vaccination Requirement
Employees of the WA State Department of Corrections (DOC) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Any offer of employment is contingent upon verification of your vaccine status. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet this requirement due to a medical or religious necessity.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• References – Include a minimum of three professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates. Note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• You may work directly with or near individuals who have committed a crime in a potentially hazardous setting. Consider this when deciding to apply.
• Pre-employment Drug Test – We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process; applicants who test positive for any controlled substances will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Represented Position – This position may be represented by a Union.

For questions about this recruitment , or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact the assigned Recruitment Navigator at paige.walker@doc1.wa .gov or give us a call at 564-669-0230. For TTY service, call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.